There is no going back and the Zifa normalisation committee (NC) has declared that the Zifa elections set for November 25 will go ahead come rain, come thunder.
To prove their case, the NC will go ahead with their long laid down plans and will on Wednesday, January 15, make public members of the all powerful elective congress.
Lincoln Mutasa's band knows pretty well that they have to fulfill their assignment before January 31 and failure to do so will not result in an extension of term but would be regarded as failure to successfully complete their task.
This means that the Zifa presidential race will go ahead on the day in question with the approved six candidates Marshall Gore, Philemon Machana, Makwinji Soma-Phiri, Quobile Magwizi, Martin Kweza and Twine Phiri.
This is despite two High Court challenges by presidential candidates Themba Mliswa and prophet Walter Magaya against the process leading to the polls.
Magaya, who analysts believe was the overwhelming favourite to land the Zifa presidency feels hard done by the disqualification and is through the courts demanding a review of his case.
Magaya and Mliswa, though, have not explained why they did not challenge the system before the nomination process only to do so after they had entered the race and disqualified.
Former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari too has also appealed but to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but CAS normally takes its time in dealing with such matters, and the former Man City hitman will have to wait a bit longer.
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Such is the situation outside the elections — or we say off the field — but for the approved candidates, flyers, posters, and manifestos, are everywhere as the race reaches the home stretch.
Surely, this looks like the biggest ever Zifa elections with close to 50 candidates and a significant rise in women contestants numbering 11 in total including Marvis Gumbo, a former Zifa board member.
Although focus has been on the presidential race where public opinion favours Twine Phiri, it is the race for the six slots on the Zifa board that is very interesting with 36 contestants on the offing.
In such a large field of people with full of football knowledge, it is difficult to pick out the oranges from the lemons although experienced and proven administrators always find their way.
That is where the names of Edward Mutukwa, Tawengwa Hara, Vincent Chawonza, Beki Nyoni, Beaular Musara, Modern Ngwenya, Cuthbert Chitima, Davison Muchena, Desmond Ali, Sweeney Mushonga, Andrew Tapela, Gilbert Saika, Lewis Muzhara, Cecilia Gambe, and Xolisani Gwesela, fit the bill.
Mutukwa, in particular, is a seasoned and reliable administrator, who has passion for football.
He has strength in the niche of economics and data analytics, and promises to add impetus into Zifa through eradication of financial mismanagement and irregularities.
Ironically, Norman Matemera whose constituency of referees is in disarray and causing confusion on Zimbabwean football has been bold enough to challenge for a top Zifa post.
There is also a crop of young leaders who have been in the game for some time and deserve a place in the board and these include Alois Bunjira, Walter Musanhu, Nicholas Munyonga, Terrence Malunga, Tizirai Lupahla, Kudzai Kadzombe, Thomas Marambanyika, Brighton Ushendibaba, Tafadzwa Benza, Gilbert Chiminya and Edmore Chivero.
Sorry, Mr Chivero, the last time around it was not deliberate but an oversight and you deserve a special mention for that place in the Zifa board.
Former footballers are also well represented with the appearance on the list of Sunday Chidzambwa, Harrington Shereni, Makwinji Soma- Phiri, while the likes of Shariff Mussa Umerjee, Sabelo Maphosa, Sibenike Ndlovu, Alice Zeure, Morgan Dube, Jerrymike Gumbo, Tatenda Mtungwazi, and Francis Zimunya should not be discounted.
Public opinion puts Omega Sibanda way ahead of Kenny Ndebele, Peter Dube, Francis Zimunya, and James Takavada, and if that is followed Sibanda will serve another term in an office he once occupied.
The race though is not clear cut in the women's section where Marvis Gumbo, Joice Kapota, Winnie Murota, Patience Mutumwa and Loveness Mukura square off.
The elective congress, however, holds the key on will lead our football.
*For your views, comments and suggestions mkariati@gmail.com or WhatsApp on 071 0774 596
